OFBiz Tutorials - Static Pages with CMS

OFBiz tutorials 3 part series that will demonstrate how the OFBiz Content Management System (CMS) can be used for front end application static pages. We will do this using a simple content data setup on a screen. The purpose of this exercise is to give clients the ability to change text on static pages at any time without having to get into code changes. This feature is especially helpful on enterprise eCommerce websites that feature pages like "About Us", "FAQ's", etc.

All of the details in this OFBiz tutorial are supported out-of-the-box (OOTB) with OFBiz CMS implementation.

CMS for Front End Static Pages With CMS | OFBiz Tutorial

Topics:

• Understand basics of DataResource and Content Record.
• Setup of content data for embedding FTL markup.
• Setup of a content driven screen to show the static content setup.

We are assuming that a component is already set-up. In this exercise we are using "cmsdemo"for the component.

DataResource / Content records | OFBiz Tutorials

Our goal in this exercise is to define the following content "This is the text that will appear on screen".

The first step is to define a "DataResource" that will represent the text. Defining in DataResource allows greater flexibility because of the ability to store long texts in the "textdata" field. Prior to rendering, all FTL markups using the "dataTemplateTypeId" attribute need to be made. This allows Freemarker instructions to execute before the screen is rendered.

Setup the following data in a data file

(go to http://www.hotwaxmedia.com/apache-ofbiz-blog/category/ofbiz/page/17/ for code definitions)

Now we'll create a Content Record. This will be associated to the DataReasource. The Content Record is the same regardless of the DataResource that has been chosen.

Using the following directive, we'll include the content inside the section of screen definition.

(go to http://www.hotwaxmedia.com/apache-ofbiz-blog/category/ofbiz/page/17/ for code definitions)

Ensure that there is an ofbiz-component file for the CMS data file that we created earlier.

(go to http://www.hotwaxmedia.com/apache-ofbiz-blog/category/ofbiz/page/17/ for code definitions)

Now we'll ensure we have "Main Request" and "View" defined in the controller file

(go to http://www.hotwaxmedia.com/apache-ofbiz-blog/category/ofbiz/page/17/ for code definitions)

Once the request for [https://localhost:8443/cmsdemo/control/main] is served, a page will be visible that displays the text "CMS Demo, This is the text that will appear on screen".

Over the next few posts we'll expand on the capabilities that we've touched on here.

Enterprise eCommerce is a vast marketplace with unlimited potential for businesses to reach customers. By using Apache Open For Business (OFBiz), you'll have greater control and increased flexibility when it comes to your eCommerce website. This translates to reduced cost for software and support costs and a more streamlined enterprise eCommerce interface.

OFBiz Tutorial - OFBiz Features

OFBiz tutorial to elucidate some of the major features of Apache Open For Business (OFBiz). Apache OFBiz is an open source suite of applications for enterprise eCommerce and ERP. The following is a list of features that explain why OFBiz is the optimum alternative for your eCommerce needs.

Apache Open For Business Features | OFBiz Tutorials

• Accounting Manager: This allows you to set up a chart of accounts, manage agreements, billing, invoices, payments, etc. These tools help to keep your records in order and easily accessible.
• Catalog Manager: This tool helps you to create and populate catalogs by category. You can maintain product features, price rules, promotions, subscriptions, reviews and so on. Using the Catalog Manager, you will be able to keep your products current and your customers informed.
• Content Manager: Using the underlying CMS capability, you can easily manage site content, blogs, surveys, etc. A great marketing and information tool.
• Facility Manager: Tracks inventory through the entire pick, pack and ship process. This tool will help you know what you have and exactly where it is located.
• Manufacturing Manager: This tool offers MRP, job shop, routing, routing task screens and BOM screens.
• Marketing Manager: An incredible marketing advantage that allows you to manage and maintain marketing lists and online marketing campaigns that are fully integrated with enterprise eCommerce.
• Order Manager: This tool handles everything to do with purchases, sales orders, create orders and returns.
• Party Manager: Assists in managing roles by creating individuals and groups.
• WebTools Application: Using metrics, you can track site performance, traffic, etc. This gives you the information you need to have an effective eCommerce web site.
• WorkEffort Manager: With this tool you can create and manage events, calenders, project management, or customize other tools to meet your needs.
  

Enterprise eCommerce is a broad and complex marketplace. Fortunately with Apache OFBiz and professional backing by the OFBiz developers at HotWax Media, you will have everything you need to create a functional enterprise eCommerce interface with all the tools for running your business.

OFBiz Tutorials - More on Order Entry and Ship Groups

OFBiz tutorials will help you to successfully navigate the OFBiz framework and easily execute tasks without having to bother with support calls. OFBiz developers are dedicated to enhancing OFBiz's user friendly capabilities and platform flexibility by giving clients access to these valuable tutorials.

Order Entry and Ship Groups | OFBiz Tutorials

In this OFBiz tutorial we will cover the step by step procedure for manually placing orders with multiple ship groups. This is a further example of the robust versatility offered by the OFBiz framework.

Lets say for example that an order clerk needs to place an order on behalf of a customer. This usually happens when an order is received by fax, mail, phone, etc. The order has multiple items that are assigned different delivery dates, and/or different delivery locations, shipping methods, etc.

This task can be easily accomplished by the sales clerk by defining "Multiple Ship Groups". Ship groups are designed to represent different groups of items in a single order. Each group is defined by unique shipping options, deliver dates and shipping address. Ship groups can be created during checkout.

We will use the example that the order clerk must enter an order for 15 units of product "X" and 10 units of product "Z". The customer needs the 5 units of Z sent with the quickest shipment method available. The remaining 5 units of Z and the 15 units of X can be sent with a slower and less expensive shipping method.

Step By Step

1. Go to the order entry screen and enter the customer ID (Just as you would for a standard order.
2. Add all items to cart, 15 units of X and 10 units of Z (ship groups will be created at checkout)
3. Click "Finalize Order" button to proceed with checkout.
4. On the first checkout screen select the shipment address and then click on the "New Ship Group" button.
5. The page then reloads with two ship group sections. Select the shipment address for each and click "Continue".
6. Now you will be viewing a screen that will allow you to manage the items being shipped in each group. The items appear in the first group by default, but they can easily be transferred into other ship groups.
7. With the drop down tabs and the quantity field you can move the items from one ship group to another. Click "Continue".
   
8. A screen will appear with shipping options for each ship group. Select proper methods for each group and continue with the checkout process as if you were completing a standard order.
   

As you can see, the process is very easy to execute. For a tutorial with screen shots, visit http://www.hotwaxmedia.com/apache-ofbiz-blog/ofbiz-tutorial-order-entry-and-ship-groups/

Enterprise eCommerce with Apache OFBiz will help you successfully position your company in the eCommerce landscape. Enterprise eCommerce is a simple and effective way to reach customers and conduct business. For all of your eCommerce, ERP, and OFBiz solutions, contact HotWax Media.

OFBiz Tutorial - Multiple Ship Groups in One Sales Order

OFBiz Tutorial that will show the ease with which you can set up multiple ship groups in a single sales order. Apache OFBiz is an open source enterprise eCommerce and ERP web platform that integrates all of your eCommerce needs from storefront presentation to inventory management, invoicing and shipping. OFBiz is a competitive and affordable alternative to commercial ERP applications.

Multiple Ship Groups | OFBiz Tutorials

OFBiz is a very flexible platform that is extremely user friendly. Here, we will discuss the steps necessary to create multiple ship groups for a single order. Basically a customer can place an order and send each item to a different place. Here is how it works.

First, under Applications > Facility Manager > Facilities, you will select a warehouse from the drop down tab under "Facility ID". Hit Submit. Next you will go to the picking tab to select orders for picking.

This screen will display a list of orders that have a status of "approved". Orders may require a stock move prior to picking. You can use one of four grouping methods available OOTB to group orders for picking. These groups are "Group Shipping Method", "Group by Warehouse Area", Group by Number of Order Items" and "Zero Grouping".

Here we'll use "Zero Grouping". This means no grouping method is selected. Let's assume that the order is not yet ready for picking and needs a stock move, meaning to move stock from a bulk location to a primary/pick location. Go to the stock moves tab and enter the required information (i.e. "From Location", " To Location" etc.). Once completed the screen will show "No Stock Moves Needed Right Now".

Now we go back to the picking screen and ensure that the order is ready for picking. When the order is ready for picking, we can create a pick list under the "Manage Picklist" tab. When the order is picked, go to the drop down and change the status to "Picked".

Next, click on the "Pack Item" button. This will show the items to be packed in a single package as well as showing the number of items and packages in this package.

Click "Complete" and a shipping invoice will be generated.

To print a shipping label, click on "Shipment ID" and go to the "Route Segments" tab. Click "Confirm Shipment" with UPS button. Once the shipment is confirmed you will see a new "Accept UPS Shipment Confirmation" button. Click this button and a shipping label will be received from UPS. To view the shipping label, go to the "View Label Image" button, print and affix to package.

This same process is repeated for subsequent ship groups.

Enterprise eCommerce is an exciting industry that is changing the way businesses thrive. By opening a storefront online, you are getting an edge up on the competition and expanding to a worldwide customer base.

To see this tutorial with screen shots, go to http://www.hotwaxmedia.com/apache-ofbiz-blog/category/ofbiz-tutorials/page/7/.

OFBiz Tutorials - Enterprise eCommerce Stats and Interperetation

OFBiz Tutorial article that takes a minute to evaluate the current enterprise eCommerce landscape as it relates to pricing and costs for the user.

Using data compiled by B2C Partners, it is estimated that the size of the US market for online retail sales was $415 million in 2008 (conservatively). B2C Partners used the following method for their estimate:

• $166 billion of online revenue in 2008
• x3% revenue for development and technology (ref. A)
• x50% dev/tech for site improvement / vs. support (ref. B)
• x50% eCommerce platforms third party / vs. in house (ref. C)
  
• x33.3% year 1 costs on software / vs. services to deploy (ref. D)
  

We will use ref. A through D to refer to analyze and modify these points throughout the post.

Line A is the percentage of revenue spent on software development and technology. B2C Partner's source, SORO Report 2007 Forrester Research and Shop.org, the range is between 3-5%. With 5% having a larger impact, it would push the market from $415 million to over $690 million which sounds more realistic.

Line B appears straightforward. There is difficulty between distinguishing between improvements and support, but not enough to alter this percentage point much.

With lines C and D we have noticed some interesting anomalies. HotWax specializes in enterprise eCommerce and ERP applications using Apache OFBiz. Apache OFBiz is an open source suite of eCommerce and ERP applications. Some clients have viewed OFBiz as a 3rd party platform, while others see it as the root of their in-house platform. Neither viewpoint is wrong, OFBiz's use depends more on the clients internal tech staffing and how they use the platform.

This realization has the effect of making the market larger from our perspective because we could then count revenue from the 50% that implement a 3rd party platform as well as the 50% that use an in-house system. That would result in an addition $2 billion in market opportunity.

Line D divides the software spending by 1/3 to differentiate between licensing costs vs. services to deploy. OFBiz is free and open source which means that our clients do not sacrifice 1/3 of their annual budget on licensing. This makes line D unnecessary for our evaluation.

Now, we add $2 billion for 3rd party vs. in-house distinction (C), keep the 33.3% for licensing fees (D), and with the 5% revenue number (A), we come up with an enterprise eCommerce and ERP online software services market that exceeds $4 billion (in retail). This is a far cry from $415 million.

This is achieved using the following points:

1. A system has an advantage if it offers the client the options of in-house development or 3rd party reliance.

2. Using Software that does not require a licensing fee represents a huge opportunity for increased returns on project investment.

3. Vendors that are well positioned to deliver implementation services on open source enterprise systems have a lot of budget to use if they can make the case effectively to online retail business owners and corporate CIOs!

Enterprise eCommerce offers limitless possibilities for businesses to grow and expand. By analyzing needs and requirements, there are many places where a company can cut costs and increase revenues.

OFBiz tutorial - Strategic Partnerships for Enterprise eCommerce

OFBiz tutorial which will discuss strategic partnerships that will compliment your enterprise eCommerce experience with professional services and software that directly compliments the OFBiz platform.

HotWax Media has partnered with Atlassian who offers a suite of project management tools and applications that are easy to use and perfect for an enterprise eCommerce company. As we began to work more with Atlassian, attempting to fully access the potential of the applications availabe, we were coming up short on time and manpower to fully explore the software. We wrote a few JIRA plugins (adding timesheet capability and enhanced reporting of work efforts) but we knew that we could do so much more with this product. Fortunately we found a solution in Customware for Atlassian professional services.

During ApacheCon 2009 in Oakland, HotWax executives were able to meet face to face with the CEO of Customware and work out solutions for optimizing our use of Atlassian. With Customware's experience and understanding of both these tools and running a successful service organization, they were able to understand the problems we were facing and provided us with a solution from which to start modeling our effort. We began making modifications to our plugins and discussing folding in JIRA’s Agile views (see Greenhopper) into our world in the appropriate ways.

Over the next few months, Customware has continued to contribute and customize our JIRA plugins and we have been able to focus on iterating on our process workflow to exceed our customers expectation. The end result is a stellar level of service and options for our clients using OFBiz and wanting to integrate partnerships that will give the most sophisticated, flexible and successful eCommerce experience.

Enterprise eCommerce is a complex landscape for doing business that is constantly maturing and changing. Partnerships with companies that stay ahead of the curve is imperative in keeping your business expanding and in the black.

OFBiz Tutorials - Complimenting OFBiz with Flash Micorsites

OFBiz Tutorials article which will temporarily step out of the realm of Apache OFBiz in order to discuss flash microsites. These sites are a very exciting experience for customers who visit your page and can contribute greatly to sales on your enterprise eCommerce platform.

If you visit "http://skibd.bdel.com/" you will see one of our most exciting microsites which we built for Black Diamond's Fall 2010 Efficient Series Skis and Boots product launch. For creating this site, we worked with Black Diamond's creative team in order to convey the vision that they wanted to give their customers. The result is extremely breathtaking imagery that highlights Black Diamond's Fall product line. The site has exceptionally clean navigation, mouse over product highlights, 360 degree spin and all of the other things that customers like to see.

When bringing a new product line to market, this is a very effective and classy way to do it. It garners a high level of respect from consumers as they can see that you care about and are proud of your companies creations.

HotWax has built dozens of Flash microsites with clients including Patagonia, GORE-TEX, Pearl Izumi, Leatherman, Thule, and dozens and dozens of other brands. Working closely with production and marketing teams ensures that the companies vision is carried out. Whether working with strict branding or a more creative project, any needs can be met.

Enterprise eCommerce is a highly competitive marketplace which is why standing out is important. Employing tactics such as microsites do just that. HotWax Media takes a lot of pride in being able to deliver progressive and successful products to our clients that give them an edge up on the competition.